Caribbean News
Montego Bay Hosting a Showcase of 17 Talented Artists in Due West Exhibition
BY: SERENA GRANT
Montego Bay, April 22, 2025 – Members of the public can now view the works of 17 of western Jamaica’s talented artists, which are on display in the Due West Exhibition in Montego Bay, St. James.
The pieces, showcased at National Gallery West, include ceramics, paintings, photography, printmaking, and fibre arts, among others. They were created using a diverse range of materials.
The themes largely centre on the environment, relationships and portraiture (portraits).
The exhibition, which runs until August, was formally opened on April 13 with a reception at the gallery, just ahead of World Art Day,
observed on April 15.
Among the guests in attendance was Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, who emphasised the significance of art as a means of self-expression, “especially when we are trying to promote our culture”.
“[Art] is an active means of getting our inner expression outside and to get the world to engage with what we see, how we live and our own experience; people express the Jamaican culture in different ways, especially through art,” he told JIS News.
Councillor Vernon also highlighted the significance of the exhibition being mounted at Gallery West.
“This is a location that we are trying to promote. We want to have persons come in… each day when we have the different… exhibitions happening. [When we have] tourists visiting our city centre, they can come and experience that as well,” he stated.
For his part, Chief Curator at the National Gallery of Jamaica, O’Neil Lawrence, told JIS News that the Due West exhibition was initially held in 2019 and then in 2020.
However, he said the COVID-19 pandemic, along with other challenges, disrupted plans for further exhibitions.
Mr. Lawrence emphasised the importance that the Gallery’s management placed on the exhibitions.
“It’s going to be our flagship [event], because we really believe in creating a platform for western Jamaica. There are a lot of artists who come out of western Jamaica. I think some of the leading artists coming out of Jamaica came from this region,” he pointed out.
Mr. Lawrence highlighted the late, highly acclaimed painter, Barrington Watson, as a notable figure, adding that artists from western Jamaica continue to gain prominence both locally and globally.
He urged artists to begin preparing their submissions for future Due West exhibitions. Eligible pieces must be created within the last three years, and artworks will be available for purchase directly from the artists after the exhibition concludes.
Assistant Curator at National Gallery West, Monique Gilpin, noted that the call for submissions for Due West 2025 was issued last November.
Some 40 submissions were received by the Gallery’s selection committee, of which 17 were shortlisted.
Ms. Gilpin advised that a People’s Choice Award is being incorporated this year, which will allow patrons to vote for their favourite display or artist, based on the pieces exhibited,
To vote, persons can either scan the QR codes on the labels of various artworks or use ballot boxes at the gallery.
“The artist with the most votes at the end of the exhibition… will receive a cash prize of $250,000. It is a part of our initiative to continue to support emerging and professional artists within the region as it is something that is necessary, as there are not that many platforms of this nature that support artists from western Jamaica,” Ms. Gilpin stated.
Artist, Brighton Brown, who is showcasing a printmaking piece in the exhibition, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate and encouraged fellow artists in western Jamaica to strive to be a part of the next staging.
He also encouraged them to identify alternative media to showcase their work.
“You must be steadfast in looking out for opportunities… you don’t always have to rely on a gallery. You can also put on your own show. They can also showcase their work online, bringing their works to different places, showing people what they can do and trying to network with others, or look to the overseas markets as well,” Mr. Brown said.
For his part, Montego Bay businessman, Lloyd B. Smith, who was a patron at the opening reception, said the exhibition is “an excellent idea” “For too long, artists in the west have had to just pander their wares to the tourism industry, hoping to make a few bucks without getting the necessary recognition from the community at large. I think that this exposure is the right direction, because it elevates our talents to certain levels of excellence and distinction. I hope that this will be a regular affair so that the artists can get their work sufficiently exposed and, in the long run, benefit from the experience,” he underscored.
Mr. Smith noted that artists in western Jamaica continue to journey to Kingston in order to gain recognition, which he said is unfortunate.
“I think Due West is showing us that our artists in the west are talented. They have creativity, they have a right to be here and we have to give them the support on an ongoing basis so that their works will become part and parcel of the overall creative arts experience in the country and not just in Montego Bay,” he stated.
World Art Day was observed this year under the theme ‘A Garden of Expression: Cultivating Community through Art’.
CAPTIONS:
Header: Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon (second left), converses with (from left) Chief Curator, National Gallery Jamaica, O’Neil Lawrence; artist, David Pinto, and Chairman, Montego Bay Arts Council, Josef Forstmayr. The occasion was the opening reception for the Due West exhibition at National Gallery West at the Montego Bay Culture Centre in St. James on April 13.
1st insert: Several patrons view artwork during the opening reception of the Due West exhibition at National Gallery West at the Montego Bay Culture Centre in St. James on April 13). The exhibition runs until August.
Serena Grant Photos
Whatsapp Image
Due West Exhibition Flyer
Contributed
Flow Cayman recognised for six decades of National Development and Digital Leadership
Miami, FLORIDA (January 27, 2026) — Leading connectivity provider Flow Cayman has been honoured with a National Recognition Award for its role as a ‘Builder of Cayman’.
The award, which was presented by the Government of the Cayman Islands during a ceremony to mark National Heroes Day on January 26,
acknowledges Flow’s 60-year partnership in building the communications infrastructure and digital capabilities that underpin national development. Since the introduction of the islands’ earliest telephone services, Flow has continuously invested in both physical and human infrastructure that enable modern life and commerce. Those investments, which range from expansive fibre networks and resilient core infrastructure to the rapid deployment of 5G across the islands, have helped the Cayman Islands compete globally while strengthening services and opportunities at home.
In a historic moment in June 2024, the Cayman Islands became the first territory in the Caribbean to experience 5G connections after Flow officially switched on the first of its 5G-enabled cell towers – a move that ushered in the fifth generation of mobile technology across the islands.
“This national recognition reflects a relationship built on trust, service and purpose,” said Bruno Delhaise, Country Manager, Flow Cayman.
“Our work connects students to education, entrepreneurs to opportunities, clinicians to patients, and governments to their citizens. Being named a ‘Builder of Cayman’ is a profound honour and a reminder of the responsibility we carry to invest in resilient networks, nurture local
talent, and create opportunities that uplift our communities.” Flow’s contribution to national development extends beyond connectivity. Through partnerships with government, private sector organisations and community groups, Flow has focused on creating digital pathways for Caymanians including vocational training and apprenticeships that build local careers in technology and engineering, to programmes that help small and medium enterprises trade and scale online, and initiatives that expand household access to the digital economy.
“In our evolution from a traditional telco to a technology-first company, our objective is to turn network capability into tangible outcomes for Caymanians,” said Susanna O’Sullivan, VP, North Caribbean, Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow and Liberty Business.
“That means faster, more reliable services but also better healthcare access, more resilient public services, safer and more efficient
businesses, and expanded economic opportunity for people across the islands. We will honour this recognition by continuing to invest in people, partnerships and programmes that deliver measurable social and economic value.” O’Sullivan also paid tribute to Flow’s local team in the Cayman Islands. “Thank you to everyone at Flow Cayman and beyond for the role you play in making moments like this possible. We take great pride in this recognition, and it inspires us to keep building and connecting the communities we serve.”
A week of wind, water, and heartbreak
From Haiti’s hillsides to Bermuda’s reefs, seven Caribbean nations have been battered, bruised, and forever marked by Hurricane Melissa — a storm that tested not only the region’s infrastructure but its unshakable spirit of unity.
Saturday–Sunday, October 25–26 – The First Strike: Hispaniola
Before the storm even earned its name, torrential rain and flash floods swept across Haiti and the Dominican Republic, claiming lives and
tearing through rural communities.
In southern Haiti, rivers burst their banks, swallowing roads and homes; 23 people were confirmed dead by Sunday evening. Across the border, one death was reported in the Dominican Republic as swollen rivers cut off villages in Barahona and Pedernales.
By nightfall, the tropical system had strengthened — and the Caribbean knew it was facing something historic.
Monday, October 27 – Evacuations and Airlifts
In The Bahamas, Prime Minister Philip Davis issued a mandatory evacuation for the MICAL Islands — Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, Long Cay, and Ragged Island.
Bahamasair added extra flights as the nation braced for what forecasters warned could become the strongest storm in nearly two decades.
Meanwhile, Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, and Cuba activated their national emergency operations centers.
Tuesday, October 28 – Jamaica and Haiti Hit Hard
By afternoon, Hurricane Melissa made landfall near St Elizabeth, Jamaica, as a Category 5 hurricane — winds of 185 mph, central pressure 892 mb, the lowest ever recorded so close to the island.
Roads collapsed, bridges washed away, and Black River Hospital lost its roof. Power failed for 72 percent of the island.
BOJ TV footage shows split asphalt, sparking lines, and flooded communities abandoned for safety.
Initially four were reported dead, that grew to seven deaths and heavy damage in 170 communities; Andrew Holness, Jamaican Prime Minister calling it “a national test of resilience.”
Haiti, still recovering from the weekend’s flooding, was hit again as outer bands dumped more rain on Les Cayes and Jacmel, deepening the humanitarian crisis.
Wednesday, October 29 – Crossing to Cuba
Weakened slightly to Category 4 (145 mph), Melissa tracked north-northeast at 8 mph, hammering eastern Cuba with hurricane-force winds
and mudslides. Over 15 000 people were evacuated from Santiago de Cuba and Holguín.
In Turks & Caicos, the Regiment deployed to Grand Turk, Salt Cay, South, North and Middle Caicos, preparing shelters and securing public buildings.
Thursday, October 30 – The Bahamas and the All Clear
Melissa’s speed increased, sparing the northern Caribbean its worst.
The Bahamas Airport Authority closed 13 airports from Mayaguana to Exuma International; none reported casualties, though infrastructure suffered.
In Turks & Caicos, the all-clear came early Thursday after minimal impact. Premier Washington Misick expressed gratitude and pledged support for neighbors:
“We must act — not only with words, but with compassion and deeds.”
Friday, October 31 – Counting the Cost
By Friday, Melissa had weakened to Category 3 (120 mph) north of Cuba.
The Bahamas Department of Meteorology issued its final alert, lifting warnings for the southern islands.
Regional toll:
- Haiti: 23 dead, thousands displaced.
- Jamaica: 7 dead, 170 communities damaged; 72% without electricity
- Cuba: 2 dead, 15, 000 evacuated.
- Dominican Republic: 1 dead, flooding in southwest.
- Bahamas: 0 dead, minor infrastructure damage and flooding in southeast.
- Turks & Caicos: minimal to no impact.
Relief and Reconnection
The Cayman Islands became the first government to touch down in Jamaica post-storm. Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly led a contingent bringing a plane-load of essentials and pledged US $1.2 million in aid.
Reggae icon Shaggy arrived on a private jet with friends, delivering food, medical kits, and hygiene supplies.
Meanwhile, Starlink and FLOW Jamaica activated emergency satellite internet across Jamaica providing free connectivity through November.
From overseas, U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking during his Asia tour, announced that American search-and-rescue teams and disaster aid will support the region.
“They can depend on U.S. assistance as they recover from this historic storm,” he said.
Faith, Funds, and False Websites
The Government of Jamaica and the Sandals Foundation have both launched verified donation portals for recovery. Officials are warning against fake crowdfunding pages posing as relief sites and urging donors to use only official channels.
A Seventh Nation in the Crosshairs – Bermuda
As Hurricane Melissa left the Caribbean basin, Bermuda found itself next in line.
Forecasts indicated the storm would pass just west of the island late Thursday into Friday, likely as a Category 1 to 2 hurricane with sustained winds near 105 mph.
Though far weaker than when it ravaged Jamaica, officials issued a hurricane warning, urging residents to secure property and expect tropical-storm conditions.
By all appearances Bermuda is heeding the warnings
The Human Response
Across the Caribbean, solidarity surged.
The Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) in Miami began airlifting relief supplies, while churches, civic groups, and businesses in The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos organized drives for displaced families.
“Your dedication gave our islands the strength to face the storm,” Premier Misick said. “Together, as one Caribbean family, we will rise stronger.”
Resilience in the Wake
Melissa’s winds may have faded, but her impact endures. Engineers are inspecting bridges, hillsides, and water systems; volunteers are clearing debris and distributing aid in communities still cut off.
From Haiti’s ravaged river valleys to Jamaica’s sugar towns, from Cuba’s eastern hills to The Bahamas’ salt ponds and Bermuda’s reefs, the region once again stands at the crossroads of ruin and renewal — and leans, as always, toward hope and a faithful God
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